Last Rights

June 24, 2016

(The Economist) – Canadians older than 18 who suffer from a “grievous and irremediable condition” and whose death is “reasonably foreseeable” may now ask a doctor or nurse to help end their lives. Those who administer life-ending drugs will not be prosecuted; they can refuse for reasons of conscience or religion. The families of members of the armed forces and veterans who die this way will not be deprived of their pensions. Some legislators opposed the law on the ground that life should never be taken deliberately. But the fiercest opposition came from those who think the law does not go far enough.